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| My Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus at free public destination charger. |
The day I first drove my all electric Tesla Model 3 was the day the Australian Capital Territory, where I live, reached 100% renewable electricity [October 1, 2019]. This means that while I drive around Canberra the car will be totally emissions-free. It is a different case when I recharge in nearby New South Wales (NSW) which recorded only 15% renewables in 2018 (Clean Energy Australia Report 2019). However, the percentage of renewable power is growing fast in Australia, including NSW.
What I like about my Tesla Model 3:
- Low centre of gravity resulting in excellent handling;
- Instant torque of electric motor which gives fast acceleration (4.6 secs to 100 km/h);
- A quiet, smooth drive. Wind noise is also minimal at 110 km/h. All electric cars are a joy to drive;
- Around 390 km of range for the Standard Range Plus;
- Two key cards are supplied and a smart phone app;
- The phone app alone will lock and unlock the car;
- Some features can be controlled from the phone app such as charging, cabinet air conditioning; smart summon and sentry mode;
- Two key cards are supplied and a smart phone app;
- The phone app alone will lock and unlock the car;
- Some features can be controlled from the phone app such as charging, cabinet air conditioning; smart summon and sentry mode;
- Traffic Aware Cruise Control which is set by the road speed limit. It keeps a safe distance from car in front regardless of speed; when the car in front stops at lights the Tesla stops and then starts again when the car in front pulls away; all this is done without going out of cruise control. It is not yet sensitive to traffic lights;
- Autopilot provides auto-steering and lane changes on suitably lane-marked roads;
- Blind spot warning for lane changing;
- It has a dashcam;
- Automatic wipers and lights, including high beam and low beam;
- The Standard Range Plus has all the hardware necessary for fully autonomous driving when it is ready and approved in Australia;
- The Full Self Driving Capability is updated regularly with noticeable improvements;
- The Full Self Driving Capability is updated regularly with noticeable improvements;
- Minimalist dashboard and easy to use central screen which takes about a day to get used to;
- Having the car’s speed reading close to the left of the steering wheel is not the problem I thought it would be;
- Having the car’s speed reading close to the left of the steering wheel is not the problem I thought it would be;
- The car is updated via the internet (but does not need the internet to drive when out of satellite range);
- One pedal driving with regenerative braking slowing the car when you take the foot off the accelerator - saves brake pads and provides smooth careful control around bends;
- Ample cabin room and storage space, there is a front and back boot (trunk) and the back seats fold down;
- It has an excellent sound system;
- Personalised driving seat settings for individuals and an Easy Entry driving seat setting;
- Navigation is on Google Maps so updates of new roads are automatic and the speed limits show on the screen;
- Put a trip into navigation and it will tell you how much energy will be used and recommend where to recharge;
- Provides navigation to Tesla Superchargers with battery prepared for fast charging while on route;
- Voice recognition for some commands;
- There are at least 6 Tesla Supercharges at each conveniently placed charging location along main highways;
- Tesla applies a fee if drivers overstay after charging has completed;
- Tesla applies a fee if drivers overstay after charging has completed;
- Many, many Tesla destination chargers, which are free if you are a customer (for example, free overnight charging at a motel);
- The Model 3 has a CCS charge port which is compatible with most Australian charging stations.
- There are now about 1500 charging stations around Australia and the number is increasing all the time;
- There are now about 1500 charging stations around Australia and the number is increasing all the time;
- Home wall connector for charging comes with the car, you just have to pay for installation;
- A 10 Amp mobile charging connector is provided which connects to mains electricity;
- Excellent service from Tesla staff via phone, email, SMS or in person;
- You order the car online and it is delivered to your door if you live over 250 km from a Tesla service centre;
- In general, the cost of driving in electric is around 3 cents per km whereas driving in petrol or diesel is 10-12 cents per km. It costs much less if you have your own renewable energy at home, say solar and/or home battery;
- Car maintenance costs for EVs are also less than those for fossil fuelled vehicles as there are far fewer moving parts.
If interested in buying a Tesla, please use my referral link to get 1500 kilometres of free Tesla supercharging. https://ts.la/julie89065
Julie May, October 10, 2019
Julie May, October 10, 2019
